2 Chronicles 17:9

And they taught in Judah, and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

And they taught {H3925} in Judah {H3063}, and had the book {H5612} of the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068} with them, and went about {H5437} throughout all the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and taught {H3925} the people {H5971}.

They taught in Y'hudah, having a scroll of the Torah of ADONAI with them; they circulated through all the cities of Y'hudah, teaching among the people.

They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people.

And they taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Jehovah with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the account of King Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah. Jehoshaphat, unlike many of his predecessors, sought the Lord from the beginning of his rule (2 Chronicles 17:4). He removed high places and Asherah poles, and strengthened the kingdom. Verse 9 specifically describes a remarkable spiritual initiative he undertook: sending a delegation of princes, Levites, and priests (as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 17:7-8) throughout Judah to instruct the people in God's law. This was a direct, organized effort to counter the spiritual decline and idolatry that had plagued the nation, aiming for a widespread spiritual revival.

Key Themes

  • Biblical Literacy and Education: The verse highlights the paramount importance of teaching God's Word to the populace. Jehoshaphat understood that national well-being and covenant faithfulness were intrinsically tied to adherence to divine statutes. This proactive teaching effort aimed to ensure the people knew and understood the "book of the law of the LORD," which primarily refers to the Torah, the foundational divine instructions given to Israel.
  • Leadership Responsibility: Jehoshaphat's actions demonstrate a king's spiritual responsibility beyond military and political governance. He used his authority to promote spiritual renewal by commissioning teachers, emphasizing that true leadership involves guiding people in righteousness and truth.
  • Systematic Discipleship: The phrase "went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people" signifies a systematic and widespread effort. This was not a one-time event but an organized campaign to disseminate divine truth to every corner of the kingdom, fostering a national spiritual awakening. This echoes the command given in Deuteronomy 6:7 to diligently teach God's words to future generations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the book of the law of the LORD" (sepher torat Yahweh in Hebrew) emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the teachings. The Hebrew word Torah (ΧͺΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧ¨ΦΈΧ”) literally means "instruction" or "teaching," not merely "law" in a legalistic sense. It encompasses God's complete revelation for how His people should live, encompassing statutes, commands, and principles for a blessed and righteous life in covenant with Him.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 17:9 offers timeless lessons for believers and leaders today. It underscores the ongoing need for diligent Bible teaching and personal study. Just as King Jehoshaphat recognized the transformative power of God's Word for a nation, we are reminded that spiritual growth and societal health are deeply connected to understanding and obeying scripture. This verse encourages intentional efforts to spread biblical knowledge, whether through formal teaching, small group studies, or personal discipleship, ensuring that the foundational truths of God's Word are accessible and understood by all. The commitment to teaching sound doctrine remains vital for the health of the church and individual believers in every generation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 5:46

    For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

  • Romans 3:2

    Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

  • John 5:39

    Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

  • Isaiah 8:20

    To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

  • Matthew 10:23

    But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

  • Acts 13:15

    And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

  • Acts 28:23

    ΒΆ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.
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